The full week of preparation will do us good. Klopp has spoken many times about the importance of it and how a week to prepare for any given game makes him happy. Van Dijk has been rested since his knock, so has Salah with only a cameo last weekend. If Fabinho is fit he will be fresh and although the lay off is a concern, he's a good enough player to pace himself and with the adrenaline and whatnot he should be good to give us an hour. Thiago the same; he's been playing and if his knock isn't that bad that he should be at least fit enough to come off the bench if starting is deemed too risky.
I think there is a genuine chance Madrid could come into this cold. They've not played a meaningful game in 3 weeks really. It doesn't really matter how good you are, being able to just switch on is difficult. Even if the difference is just a few percent, it could really go against them. To be able to go from coasting leading up to a final to being able to be at 100 percent concentration, intensity and performance right away in the biggest game of the season will be a challenge, especially against a team like ours who will likely be aggressive early on.
Naby is hit and miss in big games and he's had some of his best and worst games in a red shirt this season alone, but he could be crucial here with his ability to break the lines and press. If he has one of his better games then I think our chances of winning increase dramatically. Real wont want a basketball type end-to-end game because even with Benzema you'd fancy us to come out on top in that regard and I'm not sure their midfield has the legs for it. They'll likely slow it down, play for moments, frustrate us and hope to be clinical with the chances they do get.
The nerves are really kicking in now. Come on lads, number 7. It has lovely ring to it.
